Les Cols

In the remote town of Olot in la Garrotxa, a volcanic area in the north of Catalonia; chef Fina Puigdevall – with the help of RCR Architects – put forth Les Cols; a stunning two star Michelin restaurant; voted most beautiful in the world by a handful of publications.

Puigdevall’s culinary proposals are rooted in the surrounding landscape. The majority of the ingredients are grown and raised at the restaurant, maintaining an ultra local and organic practices. It is beyond “farm to table” as the table is at this beautiful 13th century farm.

Our three hour long meal started with a glass of cava and mini hot cheese buckwheat crust sandwiches in the garden, them we where guided to our table

Dishes were paraded through the golden room to vanish soon after!

Buckwheat spaghetti in a smoked broth turned out to be a gelatinous signature dish.
Early spring brought us calçots in a charcoal tempura with beetroot romesco (Catalan nut and red pepper based sauce). This is a Catalan delicacy – and truthfully we coud have repeated this for a few more plates!

The lovely Pumpkin 5 different ways, was educational and delicious! It turns out the five was are: grated, cold xantana, crouton, soup, & a sliced with black olive oil !

Overall service was good, attentive, and knowledgeable … not to mention patient! We asked all the questions and they indulged our curiosity, even letting us explore the entire place, including the kitchen.

Keep in mind this is a really large meal, so don’t eat a big lunch! Afterwords, we couldn’t move much and sort of rolled back to our hotel! (Also beware the herbal liquor if you are not used to it .. it is where curiosity crosses to indigestion!)

truffles in chanterelle mushroom royal sauce

grilled lettuce with lemon- apple vinegar

artichoke with tangerine mayonnaise and artichoke chips

grilled Brussels sprouts with olive oil and potato puree

sweet onion crumble from Croscat, with cheese from Farró and fried herbs